The Indian government has launched several initiatives to address the challenges of unemployment and underemployment among rural youth. This article examines two key programs: the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and the Himayat scheme. Both schemes aim to provide market-driven, placement-linked skill development opportunities for rural youth, with a particular focus on marginalized communities.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
The DDU-GKY is a placement-linked skill development program under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). It seeks to enhance the employability of rural youth by providing them with relevant skills and connecting them with well-paying jobs.
Key Features of DDU-GKY:
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Origin: The scheme evolved from the skilling component of the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY), later renamed Aajeevika Skills.
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Market-Driven Approach: The program focuses on skills that are in demand in the job market.
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Placement-Linked Training: The scheme ensures that training is linked to job placements.
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Target Group: The program targets rural youth from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, covering graduates, postgraduates, professional degree holders, and three-year engineering diploma holders.
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Implementation Model: DDU-GKY follows a three-tier implementation model involving the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), State Skills Missions, and Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) in a PPP mode.
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National Portal: DDU-GKY has a National Portal for registration of PIAs and online submission of project applications.
Financial Aspects of DDU-GKY
DDU-GKY is a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) with a funding pattern of 60:40 between the Central and State Governments, except for:
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8 North-Eastern States, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand: Funding pattern is 90:10.
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Jammu & Kashmir (Himayat): Funding pattern is 100% Central Government share.
Progress and Impact
Since 2014-15, the DDU-GKY has trained a significant number of candidates, with a substantial portion securing placements. The scheme is continuously refined to improve quality and employment outcomes.
Roshni: A Special Initiative for Left-Wing Extremism Affected Areas
Roshni is a special initiative under DDU-GKY, launched in 2013 to reach out to youth in 27 critical Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts across 9 states. Key features of Roshni include:
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Mandatory coverage of at least 40% women candidates.
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Emphasis on training Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
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Fully residential training programs.
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Demand-driven allocation to saturate districts with the scheme.
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Training through public-private and public-public partnerships.
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Placement-linked, market-driven training.
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Central Technical Support Agency to monitor the scheme.
Himayat: Skill Training in Jammu & Kashmir
Himayat is a 100% centrally funded placement-linked skill training program for unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir. It is implemented by the Himayat Mission Management Unit (HMMU) of the J&K State Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKSRLM). Key features of Himayat include:
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Free skill training for 3-12 months in various domains.
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Assured employment after training completion.
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Coverage for youth from both BPL and non-BPL categories, and from urban and rural areas.
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Focus on youth aged 18-35 years.
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Mandatory placement of at least 70% of trained candidates.
Important Features of DDU-GKY (General)
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Market-led, placement-linked training in PPP mode.
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Mandatory placement to 70% of trained candidates.
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Focus on rural youth from poor families in the age group of 15 to 35 years.
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Social inclusion of marginalized groups.
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Minimum salary of Rs. 6000 per month or the minimum wages of the state.
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Post-placement support to candidates.
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Career progression support to training partners.
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Promotion of “Make in India” through industry internships.
Conclusion
The DDU-GKY and Himayat schemes are crucial initiatives for addressing unemployment and poverty in rural India, especially in regions affected by extremism and conflict. By providing skill development, employment opportunities, and financial support, these schemes aim to empower youth, promote social inclusion, and contribute to the overall development of the nation. These schemes also emphasize the importance of public-private partnerships, ensuring that training programs are aligned with industry needs and market demands.